Looking for inspiration? Check out the following websites for nature-based activities. And keep an eye on the Acorn Centre Calendar page for details of upcoming family-friendly events and activities at Billy’s Lake (hint: use the green ‘Categories’ button at the top to filter the list for Billy’s Lake).
There’s a new, all-weather footpath to the lakeshore from the car park adjacent to Hambledon Road. And there’s also a path along the southern bank, offering pleasant views over the lake.
Billy’s Lake is popular with dog walkers. Please remember to clean up after your dog.
Have fun building your own den from fallen branches – there are plenty to be found on the ground in the woods!
But please remember – don’t damage any trees, and don’t take logs or branches from designated wildlife log pile habitats, which are marked with signboards.
There’s all sorts of wildlife to spot at Billy’s Lake – fish, water-dwelling birds, woodland birds, butterflies, bugs – and in the twilight hours, you might even see foxes, badgers, owls, bats, moths, and maybe even a deer! There’s a purpose-built hide overlooking the eastern end of the lake – bring binoculars, if you have them!
The lake is teeming with wildlife – bring a net, dip it into the shallows around the lake edge and see what comes out!
Do please ensure that children are accompanied by a responsible adult, and don’t be tempted to wade into the water – it’s very cold, the lake bed is very soft and silty and there are underwater obstacles such as fallen branches, all of which are potentially dangerous. There are clear signs that prohibit swimming or bathing in the lake for these reasons. Why not join in with one of our organised pond-dipping events, which we run from time to time (check our Calendar for details)
And remember – please return anything you’ve caught to the water, once you’ve had a good look at it!
Take a seat and try your hand at sketching or painting!
Got a camera? (Your phone will do!) Try some arty close-ups.
